Increased monitoring of areas and roads near summer resorts will help attract more foreign tourists, observers say.

By Arman Kaliyev

Vacationers stand on a pier at Lake Issyk-Kul last August. [Nurgali Rakhmanov]

ISSYK-KUL, Kyrgyzstan -- Police in Issyk-Kul Province, where Kyrgyzstan's largest lake is situated, are stepping up surveillance and taking action against criminals for the start of the summer vacation season.

The lake is the country's biggest tourist draw.

Reportedly more than 3,000 officers from the Interior Ministry (MVD) and from the Bishkek police have been deployed to the province for the height of tourist season.

Police are busy

Police have been busy protecting tourists, who largely come from other Central Asian states and Russia, from predators.

Police officers stand at attention at a police station in Issyk-Kul in June. Police have stepped up measures to maintain public order during the tourist season. [Kyrgyz Interior Ministry]

Vacationers enjoy a sunny day at the "Zolotye Peski" guesthouse in Bosteri village, Issyk-Kul, in July 2017. [Arman Kaliyev]

After a Russian woman visiting the Bosteri village market July 14 had her wallet stolen, police nabbed a suspected Kyrgyz pickpocketing ring of one man and three women, according to a July 17 MVD statement.

Three of the four suspects had criminal records.

Authorities weeks earlier arrested someone who confessed to coming to Issyk-Kul to steal from tourists, according to the MVD.

Meanwhile, authorities in Chui Province on July 5 began operating mobile checkpoints along the road to Issyk-Kul, Kabar.kg reported, citing the provincial police.

The mobile checkpoints are meant to provide security during the 2018 tourist season, said the provincial police, adding that their mission is to assist tourists, not to issue fines for traffic violations.

The Chui Province police encouraged tourists and local residents to go to the checkpoints if they need assistance. Officers will take down reports and complaints, including allegations of illegal acts committed by law enforcement personnel.

Achieving peace of mind

"This year, an increase of up to 5% of vacationers from abroad is expected in Issyk-Kul," he told Caravanserai. "And in the fall, Kyrgyzstan will welcome a large number of foreign guests to the mountains by the lake for the World Nomad Games."

The games are set for September in Cholpon-Ata.

It is important for Kyrgyzstan to not only attract tourists to Issyk-Kul's natural beauty but also to the region's history and culture, which will come to life in the upcoming games, he said.